The idea behind positive behaviour support
Behaviour is communication. A person might hit out, run away or hurt themselves because they are in pain, overwhelmed, bored, anxious or unable to say what they need. PBS starts by working out the reason, then changes what is happening around the person so they no longer need that behaviour.
The NDIS Commission describes PBS as an evidence, values and rights based approach focused on quality of life. Success is measured by a better life, not only by fewer incidents.
What PBS looks like in practice
PBS strategies usually fall into three groups:
- Teaching new skills, such as a way to ask for a break, communicate pain or cope with change
- Changing the environment, for example a quieter space, a predictable routine or fewer triggers
- Guiding the support team, so family, carers and workers respond consistently and calmly
- Plans for how to respond safely when behaviour does happen, with the least restrictive option
PBS and funded behaviour support
PBS is the framework. Behaviour support is the funded NDIS service that applies it. When behaviours of concern affect your life, an NDIS behaviour support practitioner does a functional behaviour assessment, then writes a behaviour support plan built on PBS, and trains the people who will use it.
Specialist behaviour support must be delivered by a provider registered with the NDIS Commission, and practitioners must be found suitable by the Commission. The 2026/27 price limit for specialist behavioural intervention support is $252.99 an hour in most of Australia. In plans made in the NDIA's PACE system it is paid from the Behaviour Support budget, category 20.
PBS and restrictive practices
A restrictive practice is anything that limits a person's rights or freedom of movement. The NDIS Commission regulates five types: seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and environmental restraint.
Restrictive practices do not address the reasons for behaviour and can make it worse. Under the NDIS, anyone subject to a regulated restrictive practice must have a behaviour support plan, the practice must be used within a PBS framework as a last resort, and the plan must aim to reduce and eliminate it over time. Practices that place people at high risk of harm must never be used.
Skills the workforce needs
The NDIS Commission's Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework sets out what practitioners need to know and do at different levels, from core to specialist. Support workers who implement plans also need to understand PBS, follow the plan and record what happens, because consistent daily support is where most change comes from.
The 2026 changes
Intensive and complex behaviour supports are protected from the October 2026 funding reset, which reduces community participation and daily living skills budgets. The SIL Practice Standards that apply to registered SIL providers from 1 July 2026 also strengthen safeguarding and supported decision making in the home.
Draft NDIS supports rules released for consultation in August 2026 propose keeping behaviour support as its own category. These are proposals only.
For families
- Ask the practitioner to explain the reasons they found for the behaviour, in plain language
- Make sure the plan includes things your family member enjoys and wants, not only rules
- Ask for training for everyone who supports the person, including at school or day programs
- Ask how and when any restrictive practice will be reduced, and review the plan at least as often as it says